Beyonce: NZ Tourism Ambassador

New Zealand got unparalleled international exposure from the recent tour by Beyonce, arguably the biggest music star on the planet at the moment. Whether posing for an Instagram with a Kiwi fan, promotion of a local shoe designer or facing down a fierce haka; the American diva’s exploits downunder were broadcast to a global audience.

This week Beyonce’s bungee jump from the Auckland’s Sky Tower received star billing in the New York Daily News, which featured the singer’s quote – “This is awesome” – in its headline, an incalculable tourism publicity coup.

No matter the triviality of news that affords more editorial coverage to celebrity inanity than serious current events; this presented New Zealand in the best possible light.

Beyonce was all swagger as she rode the elevator to the top of New Zealand’s highest leap and it wasn’t until her instructor informed the star that she would be plummeting 192m that she let slip an “Oh, my God”.

But she was demonstrably thrilled by the plunge, alternately screaming and laughing all the way down and back up.

“This is awesome,” she yelled mid-flight, later adding: “Yes! That is so fun.”